Andy Farrell signs new contract as Ireland head coach until end of 2027 Rugby World Cup

Head coach Andy Farrell has signed a new contract with Ireland until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Farrell was appointed Ireland head coach in 2019 and was recently named World Rugby Coach of the Year.

Under Farrell, Ireland secured their first-ever series win in New Zealand in 2022 and reached No. 1 in the world rankings.

They also won the Grand Slam at the Six Nations earlier this year and made the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, where they lost to New Zealand.

"Coaching Ireland has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU [Irish Rugby Football Union]," said Farrell in a statement.

"It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and, as we enter a new cycle, it will be exciting to see more players come through the system.

"There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level for Ireland and I am excited to see how the last number of Ireland Under-20 squads will also emerge and challenge for international honours in the near future.

"It all makes for an exciting next chapter and it is one which my family and I are delighted to continue."

Farrell first joined the Ireland coaching team in 2016, working under Joe Schmidt.

He took over as head coach after Schmidt stepped away following the 2019 World Cup.

Ireland were on a 17-match winning streak before losing to New Zealand at the World Cup in France.

Irish Rugby Football Union performance director David Nucifora added: "Over the course of the last four years Andy has helped drive the highest standards for the men's national team and it is testament to the positive environment which he and his backroom team have fostered that Ireland has enjoyed such a sustained period of success in recent times.

“Andy is an ambitious and talented coach who continues to make an indelible mark on Irish rugby, and it is a significant coup to retain his services. I have no doubt that he will look to build in the years to come."

Ireland open the 2024 Six Nations when they play France on February 2.

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